Gateway Arch, St. Louis, MO
The Gateway Arch National Park Museum and Visitor Center is a soaring symbol that manifests the starting point of westward expansion. The mezzanine level floor incorporates the perfect image to match the Arch’s grandeur: a map of the United States depicting the major rivers, lakes, mountain ranges, and expedition trails of westward expansion. That map was created with 4,200 square feet of epoxy terrazzo using more than 10 colors.
The renovation and expansion was intricate. The project had just about every possible element of terrazzo, including Venetian marble, more than 52,000 square feet of sand cushion terrazzo in two colors, an epoxy map, precast steps, precast base, and a poured-in-place base. There were also significant challenges: staging was tough since the park remained open during the renovation. More than one million pounds of sand had to be brought in while also removing tons of earth. And the job was in a national monument, with accompanying heavy security.
“We are all proud to have worked on a project of this magnitude,” says Paul Berra of Missouri Terrazzo. “The finished product of this beautiful, durable terrazzo floor ties together the renovated original museum section and the new entry level, mezzanine level, and museum area with a bright, long lasting, timeless terrazzo floor.
Project details
- Location: St. Louis, MO
- Project Name: The Gateway Arch National Park Museum and Visitor Center
- Owner/Client: National Park Service/US Department of Interior
- Terrazzo Contractor: Missouri Terrazzo
- Architect: Cooper Robertson & Partners
- General Contractor: McCarthy Building Company
- Terrazzo Material Supplier: Terrazzo & Marble
- Divider Strip Supplier: Manhattan American- Terrazzo Strip Company
- Photography: David Laudadio